Thinking of getting an E-Cargo Bike? Read this

Thanks to various incentives and tax kick backs I bought an eBullit back in 2019.

We really could do with a better e-bike incentive scheme in the UK.

The thing that I think would be good for most non-child-transport jobs but doesn’t seem to exist is an e-butcher’s bike (shortish frame, small front wheel with box over it, direct steering)

Douze have a long John that can be folded.

There is one that does exactly as you describe, i can’t think what its called

Omnium

Or the rather obviously titled Ridgeback butcher

https://www.ridgeback.co.uk/ridgeback-butcher-varrb21830

I’ve looked at Omniums in the past, their platforms don’t tip as standard, although a quick search suggests there’s a aftermarket accessory that allows it.

I’ve looked at Omniums in the past, their platforms don’t tip as standard, although a quick search suggests there’s a aftermarket accessory that allows it.

They bought out their own tilt attachment a month ago. I only know about it because I follow their Insta.

https://cargobikedb.com/convercycle

ruddy cool.

Decathlon VeloCargo r500e here.

Less than €3k to buy it new.

We’ve done over 3,500km on it in the last 18 months.

Studded tyres for the winter (we’re in the Alps).

Plenty of power for getting up steep hills, even with 2 kids and 4 sets of skis…

as mentioned, the gazelle cabby front end folds up, or unclips completely so its no wider than a normal bike – i don’t think their more recent stuff does..

regarding the e-assist vs manual debate – I’m not saying that e-cargo bikes shouldn’t exist, or saying people shouldn’t ride them – its just a shame that 5 years ago you could get a decent cargo bike from a decent brand for £1500, whereas now (because there aren’t really any non-e bakfiets around) the starting point for a good cargo bike (bakfiets style) from a semi-reputable brand is around £4k – that takes it from having an ability to provide a useful mobility tool for people who are less well off to a lifestyle choice for the middle classes.

Still some non-e cargo bikes here https://www.londongreencycles.co.uk/shop/?orderby=price&filter-cat=bikes&filter-family-bikes%5B%5D=up-to-2-children&filter-family-bikes%5B%5D=up-to-4-children&filter-family-bikes%5B%5D=more-than-4-children&filter-family-bikes%5B%5D=all. No bakfiets-style for £1500 though.

£1000 off the decathlon cargo bike right now!

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/electric-cargo-bike-rear-loading-longtail-r500/_/R-p-329177

£1000 off the decathlon cargo bike right now!

I was in a Decathlon in Netherlands a few weeks back and a family was in there getting a new (warrantied) cargo bike.  I couldn’t quite understand what the problem was – they said ‘gears and some other stuff’ but they’d done some 1000’s of km on it so a complete new bike rather than swapping out parts (some of which would surely be wear and tear anyway) seems great customer service. They loved the bike – so clearly didn’t think there was anything fundamentally wrong with it.

I was at the shops this morning and there was an old dear, maybe in her 70s or older,  loading her shopping into the basket on her trike outside the local shops. Knightwood, Glasgow for anyone that knows it. Ideal area. Flat, a few good bike lanes. It just struck me how unusual it was but how great. She looked to be at the age when people stop driving and the trike is ideal for local journeys and unlike mobility scooters keeps you fit.

@b33k34 it won’t go to waste. Decathlon are starting to sell used ebikes now, so they’ve probably just said ‘here, take this new one’ whilst planning to give the old one a clean, fling on some new consumables from stock, and wheel it out with a ‘25% off pre-loved bargain’ sticker on it.